COUSINS, THEY'RE TWO OF A KIND

It seems that daughter Alexis and niece Megan are more alike than we knew. Which is odd, since they haven't even lived in the same state since Lex was about a year old, which means they haven't spent all that much time together. They are both sassy, spunky, a bit quirky, and super creative. And, they both love  mid-century modern design. Lex and I were both drooling with envy when we saw exterior photos of an adorable mid-century house that Megan and her partner Dave were trying to buy. Their offer wasn't the highest, but Meg happens to be a very good writer, and when she sent a heartfelt letter to the previous owner, that sealed the deal.

So here you go Lex, pictures of the interior! As you can see, it was as if Megan had been accumulating furnishings for this particular house her entire life!

The curio cabinet is a new addition. Megan took up taxidermy as a hobby a while back, and needed a place to display her work, and keep it safe from their two new kitties!

As with most of the houses I've seen in Ohio, this one sits on the side of a hill, and has a lower level that opens up to a huge backyard and the nature reserve just beyond it. When heading downstairs to the rumpus room, as we used to call them back in the 50s, you will first be greeted by about 50 more kitties.

You'd be amazed at the variations you will see, when 50 different people paint the very same paint-by-number project!

Know what's really amazing? Unbeknownst to each other, Lex and Meg even drive the same car, in the very same color! One thing I know for certain. Their grandmother Theda, who was quite the spunky creative gal herself, would be mighty proud of them both!

ACCIDENTAL FRENCH TOURISTS IN OHIO

Just got back from Middletown, Ohio -- setting for the Hillbilly Elegy book and where Ron Howard is now shooting the film version. We were there to visit Hubby's big bro and his family, and on our first day there, the guys did what they always do. They got up early and headed out in search of the manliest, greasiest breakfast they could find, and we wives didn't dare interfere. It's a tradition! Sister-in-law Priscilla is not a morning person, so by the time she was up and moving, the guys were back and ready to head out for a day in Cincinnati. First stop? Findlay Market, reminiscent of the wonderful covered markets you might find in Paris and Provence.

Mike and Prisi were leaning towards grabbing some yummy sausages or salads and going outside to eat, but Hubby and I wheedled a bit and convinced them to try the cute cafe we'd spotted across the street, so we could sit in air conditioned comfort. Turned out to be our best decision of the day!

Apparently Jean Robert has other larger, fancier restaurants around town, but this little cafe specializes in delicious French omelettes, salads and sandwiches made on wonderful French bread -- just what you might crave after a morning shopping at the market!

Then we were off to the Taft Museum of Art, where they just happened to be hosting an exhibit called L'Affichomania -- The Passion for French Posters!

Our last stop before heading off to meet the kids for dinner was at my favorite little gift shop/bakery from our last visit there, French Rendez-Vous. Priscilla had called ahead to reserve some fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate and almond croissants for our breakfast the next day, and we bought a couple of yummy macarons to munch on while we wandered the rooms filled with French antiques and tablecloths from Provence.

The most amazing thing about the day? We did not even plan this French-themed day. It just happened!

LUCKY/GYPSY MASH-UP: THE VENUE

When we heard that the Junk Gypsies had built a couple of lodges out in the field behind their store, we were expecting something fairly rustic, and that impression continued as we drove up to them and parked our car in the grass nearby.

 But, once we stepped inside our room, that notion was blown to bits.

Turns out, every luxury had been provided for, from the best mattress and pillows to the deep, oversized soaking tub in the bathroom and the fluffy white towells.

And, if that wasn't enough, there was a big gathering room in each lodge, complete with coffee stations, record players and albums, books, etc. Perfect place to hang out if you're an early riser or a night owl, and don't want to disturb your roomies.

Is this an awesome coffee table, or what?

 Needless to say, we enjoyed every minute of our stay there, from dusk...

until dawn!

#1 TOURIST ATTRACTION

Waiting In Line To Get In

Know what the #1 tourist attraction in Porto is? No, it's not any of the castles or cathedrals or monuments. It's the tiny little Lello Bookstore -- the most beautiful bookstore in the world.

Why does one wait in a long line and pay five euros each to get into a tiny little bookstore? Well, not for it's beauty, 'tho that is something to behold.

No, people flock here because a certain author of a certain children's book series used to hang out here, back when it was a nice, quiet little place in which to write, and that amazing staircase inspired her to create the moving staircase at a certain school for young wizards.

There's even a secret room in the basement!

Know what else inspired J.K. Rowling while she lived in Porto?

The black cloaks that all the high school kids wear during their version of "rush", when they are choosing, or being chosen by, a certain house at their school.

Although I loved getting to see this place, I couldn't help but feel sorry for all the local people who used to hang out here, back when it was still the nice quiet little place that J.K. Rowling loved, and they didn't charge you five euros to get in! On the other hand, at least they applied that entry fee to the purchase I made for little Goober Bear.
 

THE COLORS AND PATTERNS OF PORTUGAL

One of the first things you are sure to notice upon your arrival in Portugal is the Calçada Portuguesa -- the black and white limestone mosaics covering the sidewalks and plazas. Each one unique, yet unifying.

Beautiful, but dangerous. For one thing, they can be very slippery when wet, and we had more than a few drizzly days. Also, there are so very many of these in Portugal that they just can't keep up with the repairs, and you are liable to twist an ankle stepping into a hole, if you don't pay attention. How women manage to traverse these in stilettos, I will never know.

Then there is all the beautiful tile work gracing many of their buildings, much of it dating back to the times when Portugal was occupied by the Moors.

Pieces Found For Sale At The Thieves Market

My very favorite colors and patterns, however, were found in the bits and pieces of Art Nouveau architecture that were sprinkled about.

All in all, a most beautiful country!